University of Iowa · Iowa City, Iowa
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at University of Iowa
What Should You Know About Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at University of Iowa?
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, offered on campus. It requires 78 semester hours (MSW holders receive 30 hours credit and complete 48 more) and takes median four years; typically four to five years. Final project: dissertation and oral defense, after a comprehensive exam. The school states that PhD students are funded.
How Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Works
- Degree
- PhD in Social Work
- Format
- On campus
- Credits
- 78 semester hours (MSW holders receive 30 hours credit and complete 48 more)
- Length
- Median four years; typically four to five years
- Final project
- Dissertation and oral defense, after a comprehensive exam
- Focus areas
- Sociology; Psychology; Public health; Education
- Start terms
- Fall
Admission to University of Iowa's PhD
- Degree you need
- Master's degree in social work or a related field such as psychology or sociology
What University of Iowa's PhD Costs and How It's Funded
- Funding
- If funds are available, full-time PhD students are offered funding with admission and priority for graduate assistantships that include tuition coverage, a stipend and health insurance
From socialwork.uiowa.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Compares
- Its 78 credits compare with a median of 51 across social work PhDs that state credits.
- It states full funding, as do 46 of the 77 social work PhDs on this site.
Accreditation and University of Iowa's PhD
CSWE accredits social work programs at the bachelor's, master's and practice doctorate levels, not research doctorates, so Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work carries no CSWE status. PhD programs are covered by the university's institutional accreditation.
Similar Social Work PhDs at Other Schools
- PhD in Social Work at Loyola University ChicagoChicago, IL · On campus · 48 credits · funded
- Doctorate (PhD) in Social Work at Mizzou (University of Missouri)Columbia, MO · On campus · funded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work at Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis, MO · On campus · 48 credits · est. $69,600 · funded
- PhD in Social Work at University of ChicagoChicago, IL · On campus · funded
Social work PhDs sharing a format with this one: matching funding first, then the nearest schools.
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at University of Iowa: Common Questions
Is University of Iowa's PhD in Social Work Funded?
If funds are available, full-time PhD students are offered funding with admission and priority for graduate assistantships that include tuition coverage, a stipend and health insurance.
How Long Is Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at University of Iowa?
Median four years; typically four to five years, 78 semester hours (MSW holders receive 30 hours credit and complete 48 more), according to the school's program page.
What Do You Need to Apply to Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at University of Iowa?
Master's degree in social work or a related field such as psychology or sociology.
Is Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at University of Iowa Online?
No. It is offered on campus.
Compare Programs Like This One
- University of Iowa Social Work DoctoratesThe school's full profile
- PhD in Social WorkEvery verified social work PhD
- Fully Funded PhD ProgramsPhDs that cover tuition and pay a stipend
- Social Work Doctorates in IowaEvery program in the state, plus online options
- DSW vs PhD in Social WorkPractice vs research doctorate